Why Solo Travel Can Feel Intimidating for Women

On the NomadHer app, we regularly introduce destinations with strong safety, transit, and travel infrastructure, places where women can enjoy independence and feel secure traveling alone.

In previous posts, we covered some of the world’s safest cities, as well as options in Europe and Southeast Asia that are well-suited for solo female travelers.

Still, solo trips can bring excitement and anxiety at the same time. Even in safe areas, it’s natural to feel moments of unease or loneliness, sometimes even real concern, simply because you’re on your own.

So, what should you watch out for when traveling solo as a woman? And what are the practical ways to stay safer?

Safety for Women When Traveling: What Every Solo Traveler Should Know

When planning a solo trip, where you’ll stay and what you’ll do can matter just as much as which country you choose. In the same city, your perceived safety can change dramatically depending on neighborhood, vibe, and transit access. In short, lodging choice is a core piece of your safety plan.

[Lodging, What to Look Out For]

1️⃣ Start with location and the route to the accommodation

For your first night, pick a place near major transit hubs and on a well-lit street at night. Aim for 10–15 minutes on foot from the train/bus terminal or main avenue, with a simple route and plenty of streetlights. Whenever possible, arrive during daylight.

If you’re looking for a place that’s safe and well-managed, hotels and hostels tend to be cleaner and more structured. Guesthouses can be cheaper but the outcome of your stay can vary widely since you are sharing a space with strangers. If you’re traveling solo, that shared environment can set the tone for your entire trip, so choose carefully.

‍

2️⃣ Prioritize single rooms and women-only options

Near city centers, you can often find reasonably priced single rooms or women-only dorms. Check whether the shower/toilet is ensuite; if shared, confirm if they are in women-only floors/areas.

Use filters like “solo female reviews,” “women-only dorm/floor,” and “24-hour reception.” They make it easier to surface safer properties.

‍

3️⃣ Check reviews and photos and pay special attention to the negative reviews

The most telling insights often come from bad reviews: look for recurring issues like cleanliness, security, noise, scams. Decide whether those deal-breakers are acceptable to you. Be cautious if every review is glowing as not all reviews are genuine.

Beyond the room, scan photos of hallways, entrances, and nearby alleys. Positive signals include “quiet at night” and “staff on site 24/7.”

‍

[Transit & Other Safety Notes]

1️⃣ Avoid very late, far-from-home nights

Skip heavy drinking or long outings far from your lodging late at night. In busy markets and beach areas with lots of tourists, watch your bag and always assume pickpockets are present.

Split cash, cards, and a passport copy across your suitcase, backpack, and handbag. After dark, avoid empty alleys; stick to main roads and well-lit stations.

2️⃣ Use vetted transportation apps

Many cafes and shops abroad close around 8–9 PM, leaving streets darker and quieter. If you must move late, choose well known apps like Grab, Uber, or Bolt or any local equivalents, instead of walking long distances.

3️⃣ Keep data roaming on, always

Don’t rely on random Wi-Fi. Get an eSIM or local SIM so you can navigate, translate, and call for help at any time.

Can add our partner perk here, SUPERALINK

‍

[How to Find Reliable Information]

With solo travel, where you get information matters. Rather than relying on scattered posts, lean on locals who live there or travelers who just returned.Neighborhood-level tips from locals and real trip reports from women in travel communities offer ground truth you won’t find in guidebooks.Add something here about using NomadHer to ask other women for recommendations

‍

How Solo Female Travellers Can Use NomadHer

When excitement meets nerves, a trusted community can make all the difference.

NomadHer is a global app where ID-verified women from 190 countries share local tips, safe routes, up-to-date info, and often find a travel buddy to explore with. Even in a new city, you’re not truly alone, you can meet with another woman on a similar journey and feel far more at ease.

1️⃣ Find a travel partner you can trust

NomadHer is women-only, and ID verification is required for all members, so connections are more reliable. Download the NomadHer app and use the “Find Buddies by Current Location” feature to see women in your city (e.g., Seoul, Paris, Bali) and safely connect with those on similar dates and interests.

2️⃣ Go deeper with local connections

City-based women hosts/members share immediately useful tips. Use the + button to post about your travel stories, share tips, or ask other women recommendations for places you are about to visit. Exploring markets, temples, and cafes with a buddy helps you exchange perspectives and discover places you might have skipped on your own.

3️⃣ Handle surprises more easily

Delays, detours, and hiccups are easier when you can problem-solve together. Having a buddy reduces anxiety, and local women can offer safer guidance on the spot.

4️⃣ Keep the network going

You can find female buddies, join small meetups/workshops/festivals, and continue exchanging info after the trip, often connecting to your next destination through the community. You can find travel camps and join other solo female travellers for activities in the Experience tab on the NomadHerapp.